Walking doll - Autoperipatetikos - Victoria & Albert Museum

Mechanical or wind up dolls are also known as "Autoperipatetikos" which means 'the automatic walking one'. This one was designed by Enoch Morrison in 1862 and made by Martin and Runyon in the United States. Moving dolls are quite common now but in the 19th century it would have been a magical experience to receive a doll that actually walked. The clockwork mechanism is very strong as this doll is still in perfect working order.

Physical description

Composition shoulder head with moulded hair and painted facial features; body containing clockwork mechanism covered with oilcloth and supported by a wooden base; brass lower legs with a caterpillar movement inside; leather arms

Place of Origin

USA, USA (manufactured)

Date

1862 (manufactured)

Artist/maker

Martin & Runyon (manufacturer)

Materials and Techniques

Composition, brass, wood and leather

Marks and inscriptions

Patented July 15th 1862; also in Europe 20 Dec. 1862

Dimensions

Height: 25.4 cm, Height: 7.6 cm head only

Object history note

Martin & Runyon, 299 Broadway New York City, had London offices from 1865 to 1867

Historical context note

Autoperipatetikos was patented in the USA and England by Enoch Rice Morrison in 1862. Made and distributed by a variety of people including Daniel S Cohen and Joseph Lyon & Co of New York.

Descriptive line

Brass and composition Autoperipatetikos walking doll made in the USA by Martin & Runyon about 1865

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

The Ultimate Doll Book, C G Goodfellow, Dorling Kindersley, 1993

Materials

Wood; Leather; Brass; Composition

Techniques

Moulding

Production Type

mass produced

Collection code

BGM

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